Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Peoria’s new hotel fee could change tourism and taxes.

And on the Peoria Patch calendar - Entry and Rules for our 25th Annual Amateur Tournament!

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Greetings Peoria! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☕️️

Hosting an event in Peoria? Let Patch get the word out for you. Post it to the Patch calendar.

In today's newsletter:

  • How Peoria's new hotel fee could change tourism and taxes.
  • Are your family's measles shots up to date in Peoria County?
  • What Peoria parents should know about the schools' uncertain new budget

Also on today's calendar: Black Cat Ball and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call a one-legged Big Foot? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Warm with clouds and sun, with a high of 79 and low of 63 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Cloudy and warm, temps: high: 78, low: 67.
  • Thursday: Rain and a thunderstorm, with a high of 71 and low of 56 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Peoria Civic Center management maintains optimism amid industry challenges (wcbu.org) — Peoria's Civic Center just wrapped a near-record year, and the City Council has approved a new 1.5% Tourism Improvement District fee on hotel stays to boost marketing the city. Leaders say most ticket buyers come from outside the area, bringing in tax revenue and visitor spending, while one council member raised concerns about adding to the overall tax burden.
   

2. Peoria County Health Department issues measles warning as Illinois cases rise (wmbdradio.com) — Peoria County health officials are urging residents to double-check their measles vaccinations as Illinois reports 23 cases statewide this year, even though none are in Central Illinois yet. With local vaccination rates above 95%, leaders still stress boosters for those born after 1957 and advise anyone worried about exposure to contact their primary care provider.
   

3. Peoria Public Schools $245M budget has an uncertain future (centralillinoisproud.com) — Peoria Public Schools has approved a $245 million 2026-27 budget, but leaders warn it may need changes once two years of overdue audits are finished. The plan shows a $5.3 million surplus and relies heavily on local property taxes and state funding, even as the district remains underfunded by nearly $70 million according to Illinois' own formula.
   

4. Peoria gas prices fall 7 cents, remain nearly $1.50 higher than a year ago (wmbdradio.com) — Drivers in Peoria are seeing a small break at the pump, with average gas prices dropping 7.3 cents over the past week to $4.77 per gallon. Costs are still sharply higher than a month and year ago, and while analysts expect modest further declines, they warn that global events could quickly push prices back up.
   

5. Farm leaders advise caution as harvest begins in Illinois (centralillinoisproud.com) — With harvest season underway around Peoria, farm leaders are asking drivers to slow down and give tractors and combines extra space on rural roads. Recent crash data from Peoria and neighboring counties show several collisions, so officials urge patience, safe passing, and for farmers to use lights and reflectors to keep everyone getting home safely.
   

📸 Around Peoria

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Peoria

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📣 Peoria Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Reminder: Food Pantries Open Mondays
    ***** MONDAY Christ Alive! Community Church 9320 W. Route 150, Edwards (Kickapoo) 309-693-2393 Food pantry open 1st and 3rd Monday of each month… (Nextdoor Bournedale)
  • Carle Health posted a job opening for Radiation Oncology - Physician in Peoria. Apply here.
  • CVS Pharmacy, Inc. posted a job opening for Primary Care Physician in Peoria. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Peoria here.

Ok Peoria! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Hop Squatch! (Thank you Terri R. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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